Methodist Dallas Medical Center Receives Level I Trauma Verification

Methodist Dallas Medical Center has achieved verification as a Level I Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) through ACS’ Committee on Trauma (COT). Level I verification signifies that Methodist Dallas provides the highest level of trauma and emergency care available, one of three adult trauma centers in Dallas County and one of only 17 in the state of Texas.

Methodist Dallas’ emergency department treats more than 62,000 patients annually with more than 1,800 admits related to trauma. As a Level I Trauma Center, the hospital is a regional referral resource for other hospitals throughout North Texas. Level I trauma centers also support trauma research programs and provide education on injury prevention. Verified trauma centers must meet essential criteria that confirm the hospital’s institutional trauma care capabilities and performance, as outlined by the COT. The verification process follows a rigorous review and site visit and demonstrates that the hospital provides the highest level of care for seriously injured patients.

“As the only Trauma Center in southern Dallas County, our advancement to Level I status verifies that we are providing the highest level of care to residents of North Texas,” says Michael S. Truitt, MD, medical director of trauma services at Methodist Dallas. “Our Level I verification is the net result of the excellent coordination between emergency physicians, surgeons, nurses, radiologists, and others who are all directly involved in patient care of the injured patient.”

“Providing Level I adult trauma care is a massive undertaking requiring physicians, nurses, technology, and resources able to support the complex decision-making process that takes place when handling a trauma case,” says David D. Clark, FACHE, president of Methodist Dallas. “Methodist Dallas Medical Center is proud to have achieved Level I status demonstrating our continued commitment to provide a higher level of care to the communities we serve.”

The ACS’ long history of activities directed toward the improvement of trauma care was enhanced with the establishment of the COT Consultation/Verification Program for hospitals in 1987. It promoted the development of essential and necessary standards for the advancement of trauma care through hospitals and today validates that resources are available to support advanced trauma care at verified hospitals.

About Methodist Health SystemGuided by the founding principles of life, learning, and compassion, Methodist Health System (Methodist) provides quality, integrated care to improve and save the lives of individuals and families throughout North Texas. Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Methodist Charlton Medical Center, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, Methodist Richardson Medical Center, Methodist Midlothian Health Center, and Methodist Family Health Centers are part of the nonprofit Methodist Health System, which is affiliated by covenant with the North Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church. Additional information is available at www.methodisthealthsystem.org. To see why Methodist Health System is a brilliant choice for your career, join our talent community atJobs.MethodistHealthSystem.organd connect with us through Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and our blog.